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Love in the Countdown
3…2…1…heartbreak?!
Emily Nguyen hopes this New Year's Eve will be the beginning of the rest of her life, but instead of a romantic proposal, she gets dumped out of nowhere. And evicted the next day.
Now, rather than planning the life she dreamed of, she’s starting over.
If Emily thought finding an apartment in her budget was impossible, it’s nothing compared to the hunt for a roommate. So when an opportunity presents itself in the form of an acquaintance, she doesn’t think twice about asking him to move in.
Ben Walker ticks all the he’s sweet, absolutely gorgeous, and loves cats. There’s just one their sizzling chemistry. Sleeping with your roommate is never a good idea, especially when you’re both fresh out of relationships. But they're adults, and as long as everyone is on the same page, what’s the harm?
When an accidental pregnancy—and its unexpected challenges—turns Emily and Ben’s roommates-with-benefits arrangement on its head, another, bigger question can they count on each other?
Love in the Countdown is a spicy, character-driven, contemporary romance for women who know love is sometimes complicated.
Click ‘buy now’ to step into the charming chaos of Emily’s most unexpected year!
Emily Nguyen hopes this New Year's Eve will be the beginning of the rest of her life, but instead of a romantic proposal, she gets dumped out of nowhere. And evicted the next day.
Now, rather than planning the life she dreamed of, she’s starting over.
If Emily thought finding an apartment in her budget was impossible, it’s nothing compared to the hunt for a roommate. So when an opportunity presents itself in the form of an acquaintance, she doesn’t think twice about asking him to move in.
Ben Walker ticks all the he’s sweet, absolutely gorgeous, and loves cats. There’s just one their sizzling chemistry. Sleeping with your roommate is never a good idea, especially when you’re both fresh out of relationships. But they're adults, and as long as everyone is on the same page, what’s the harm?
When an accidental pregnancy—and its unexpected challenges—turns Emily and Ben’s roommates-with-benefits arrangement on its head, another, bigger question can they count on each other?
Love in the Countdown is a spicy, character-driven, contemporary romance for women who know love is sometimes complicated.
Click ‘buy now’ to step into the charming chaos of Emily’s most unexpected year!
- GenresFriends To Lovers
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2025
29 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Lily Anh Nam
4 books8 followersLily Anh Nam is an Asian American contemporary romance author. She lives in a quiet New England town with her family and her feline writing companions. Her cats are often featured in her stories. Though she grew up on a tropical island, her favorite season is fall. Caramel lattes and mint chocolates keep her running. When not writing, Lily likes to spend time with her family. She rarely leaves the house without bribery.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I loved every second of it! 💕 It delivered everything I look for in a romance—emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and so much heart. 💖
The tropes? Literal perfection 😍: friends to lovers, forced proximity, friends with benefits, and a cinnamon roll MMC who completely stole my heart 🥺🍪. He was sweet, supportive, and emotionally mature—basically the definition of book boyfriend goals. 💘
The accidental pregnancy plot brought the drama (in the best way), but what really made this story stand out was the pregnancy disability rep. 🙌 It was written with so much care and honesty—it felt real, validating, and deeply human. 💬🤍
It was that good I finished it in DAY🤩😍
The connection between the characters had me hooked. The slow-burn tension, the emotional unraveling, the vulnerability—it all hit just right 🥹🔥. I laughed, I swooned, I may have even shed a few tears. 🫶
If you’re into trope-packed romances with heart, steam, and characters that feel like real people, this one’s a must-read 📚✨ I’ll be thinking about these two for a long time. 🫶
“She was magnetic, and I was helpless to orbit around her”
“It’s like he has my body trained to respond to his every touch, even if it’s innocent”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I loved every second of it! 💕 It delivered everything I look for in a romance—emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and so much heart. 💖
The tropes? Literal perfection 😍: friends to lovers, forced proximity, friends with benefits, and a cinnamon roll MMC who completely stole my heart 🥺🍪. He was sweet, supportive, and emotionally mature—basically the definition of book boyfriend goals. 💘
The accidental pregnancy plot brought the drama (in the best way), but what really made this story stand out was the pregnancy disability rep. 🙌 It was written with so much care and honesty—it felt real, validating, and deeply human. 💬🤍
It was that good I finished it in DAY🤩😍
The connection between the characters had me hooked. The slow-burn tension, the emotional unraveling, the vulnerability—it all hit just right 🥹🔥. I laughed, I swooned, I may have even shed a few tears. 🫶
If you’re into trope-packed romances with heart, steam, and characters that feel like real people, this one’s a must-read 📚✨ I’ll be thinking about these two for a long time. 🫶
“She was magnetic, and I was helpless to orbit around her”
“It’s like he has my body trained to respond to his every touch, even if it’s innocent”
January 5, 2026
This was a tough read, I struggled to get through it. The author does a lot of telling and not enough showing. I think I must have missed the part where the characters fell in love since they didn't really communicate on the page. There were few dialogue scenes and I'm not sure why the author felt the need to bring the parents into the story when we get a loaded backstory that doesn't have anything to do with the rest of the story. Something that really annoyed me though is that the main character is a nurse, yet she googles her symptoms then tries to treat herself with what she found online. I was hoping for a cute New Year's story, but this was not it.
January 9, 2026
This was a cute story. I have a little bit to criticize, that I wished there would have been more drama. It kinda went too smooth.
January 6, 2026
cute but wish it had a bit more substance. quite a few plot lines that were just skimmed over and needed further details. plus I forgot this involved a pregnancy trope which im just no. but she was alright overall just need a bit more oomph
June 6, 2025
Lily Anh Nam’s Love in the Countdown took me by surprise in the best way. What begins as a gut wrenching portrait of heartbreak quickly transforms into a moving, slow-burn romance that balances emotional depth with glimmers of hope. I genuinely felt for Emily her pain after being left homeless on New Year’s Eve is raw and real. It’s not just a plot device; it’s the foundation of a very personal journey of healing.
One of the things I appreciated most was how layered Emily is. She’s not some one note heartbroken girl waiting to be saved she fights, stumbles, and grows, and her vulnerability felt incredibly honest. When Ben enters the picture, their connection doesn’t feel forced or cliché. It’s cautious, authentic, and slow enough to make the emotional payoff worth it. His own wounds add texture to the story, and seeing them navigate trust and intimacy together made the “friends to lovers” theme feel earned, not just convenient.
The dual perspective added so much it was a smart choice. Being inside both Emily and Ben’s heads made their miscommunications and inner conflicts more believable, and it gave the romance more emotional weight. I also want to mention how the book touches on trauma without sensationalizing it. The content warnings are there for a reason, and I was glad I checked beforehand. But even the heavier moments were handled with care and a sense of empathy that really stood out.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d been on a full emotional arc. There were scenes that made me ache, others that genuinely made me smile, and a few that had me holding my breath. And that ending yes, it’s a “happily ever after,” but not without struggle, not without growth. It felt earned and real.
If you’re looking for a romance that respects its characters’ emotional journeys, doesn’t shy away from pain, but still leaves you hopeful, Love in the Countdown is absolutely worth the read. Just be ready to feel a lot and in all the right ways.
One of the things I appreciated most was how layered Emily is. She’s not some one note heartbroken girl waiting to be saved she fights, stumbles, and grows, and her vulnerability felt incredibly honest. When Ben enters the picture, their connection doesn’t feel forced or cliché. It’s cautious, authentic, and slow enough to make the emotional payoff worth it. His own wounds add texture to the story, and seeing them navigate trust and intimacy together made the “friends to lovers” theme feel earned, not just convenient.
The dual perspective added so much it was a smart choice. Being inside both Emily and Ben’s heads made their miscommunications and inner conflicts more believable, and it gave the romance more emotional weight. I also want to mention how the book touches on trauma without sensationalizing it. The content warnings are there for a reason, and I was glad I checked beforehand. But even the heavier moments were handled with care and a sense of empathy that really stood out.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d been on a full emotional arc. There were scenes that made me ache, others that genuinely made me smile, and a few that had me holding my breath. And that ending yes, it’s a “happily ever after,” but not without struggle, not without growth. It felt earned and real.
If you’re looking for a romance that respects its characters’ emotional journeys, doesn’t shy away from pain, but still leaves you hopeful, Love in the Countdown is absolutely worth the read. Just be ready to feel a lot and in all the right ways.
May 18, 2025
When I went into this book, I wasn’t expecting many things.
Like, the writing style was amazing, the main characters had an awesome chemistry but I wish there was more about their past, but with the length of this book, it was just about the right amount. I thought there would be more of the exes and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop but it was all good vibes and happy, and I loved it. What I also liked about this book, how it was like real life and real struggles, people go through and how not everything is simple. Heartbreak, healing, forgiveness and love. Many things happened in the last couple of pages and those were really fast paced but it all pretty much sums up everything that happened and the epilogue was really cute!
The spice was really hot. There was not much of it but when it came, it came with a bang. Sparkling tension and getting of separate at the beginning, cause they thought that they shouldn’t. And then the magical “F*ck it!” Happened and all stars and rainbows broke loose. The dynamic between them shifted really fast and how he basically made her love him with every amazing detail he has done for her.
Can I have a roommate like Ben? Making me breakfast with a white shirt and grey sweatpants! I would be drooling all over myself, if a guy stands in front of me in grey sweatpants!
Amazing book! Loved the plot and the cat’s names are just hilariously cute!!
Like, the writing style was amazing, the main characters had an awesome chemistry but I wish there was more about their past, but with the length of this book, it was just about the right amount. I thought there would be more of the exes and I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop but it was all good vibes and happy, and I loved it. What I also liked about this book, how it was like real life and real struggles, people go through and how not everything is simple. Heartbreak, healing, forgiveness and love. Many things happened in the last couple of pages and those were really fast paced but it all pretty much sums up everything that happened and the epilogue was really cute!
The spice was really hot. There was not much of it but when it came, it came with a bang. Sparkling tension and getting of separate at the beginning, cause they thought that they shouldn’t. And then the magical “F*ck it!” Happened and all stars and rainbows broke loose. The dynamic between them shifted really fast and how he basically made her love him with every amazing detail he has done for her.
Can I have a roommate like Ben? Making me breakfast with a white shirt and grey sweatpants! I would be drooling all over myself, if a guy stands in front of me in grey sweatpants!
Amazing book! Loved the plot and the cat’s names are just hilariously cute!!
May 16, 2025
If Goodreads would let me I’d give it a 3.8 stars! It’s not quite 4 but I did enjoy it.
I loved the banter between our 2 MC’s, Emily and Ben. It was a cute story! We get a cinnamon roll MMC, he’s obsessed with her. Our FMC is finding herself after a breakup & looking for a roommate. He also just got out of an engagement and was staying at a friends, also looking to move. So they find their way to each other, becoming roomies and the rest is history 🤣
We get these tropes:
•Mutual Feelings
•Mutual friends
•cinnamon roll MMC
•roommates to lovers
•good banter
•obsessed MMC and FMC
There are more tropes but I don’t want to give away spoilers 🤫🤐
I would give this 3 /5🌶️ for spice.
The reason i took stars away is because I didn’t care for the 1st person pov. It made it feel a little amateur in the writing. I also felt a little weird about some reactions we got from Ben. I don’t know if it was how I was reading it or it was the wording and how it was written but there were some parts I was put off by. He seemed rude or like a bad guy. (Only a couple instances) but it just didn’t match who he is throughout the book. And there was just a few moments in the book I think could have been edited better or changed.
I loved the banter between our 2 MC’s, Emily and Ben. It was a cute story! We get a cinnamon roll MMC, he’s obsessed with her. Our FMC is finding herself after a breakup & looking for a roommate. He also just got out of an engagement and was staying at a friends, also looking to move. So they find their way to each other, becoming roomies and the rest is history 🤣
We get these tropes:
•Mutual Feelings
•Mutual friends
•cinnamon roll MMC
•roommates to lovers
•good banter
•obsessed MMC and FMC
There are more tropes but I don’t want to give away spoilers 🤫🤐
I would give this 3 /5🌶️ for spice.
The reason i took stars away is because I didn’t care for the 1st person pov. It made it feel a little amateur in the writing. I also felt a little weird about some reactions we got from Ben. I don’t know if it was how I was reading it or it was the wording and how it was written but there were some parts I was put off by. He seemed rude or like a bad guy. (Only a couple instances) but it just didn’t match who he is throughout the book. And there was just a few moments in the book I think could have been edited better or changed.
June 3, 2025
This is the debut novel for Lily Anh Nam. The book begins with a surprise break up for Emily and the need for her to find housing quickly. Enter Ben, an acquaintance who also needs to find his own place after going through his own breakup.
There’s forced proximity with slow burn and he falls first. This is a low stakes book with no third act break up. I enjoy books with the surprise pregnancy trope and this one didn’t come with any trauma, which is refreshing. There aren’t a lot of spicy scenes, but when they come, they are spicy. There are a couple of surprises in the book, but they didn’t feel as something that shattered the world of the characters and resolved pretty easily.
I would give this a 3.5 if I could but am rounding up to 4.
Thank you, Lily Anh Nam, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
There’s forced proximity with slow burn and he falls first. This is a low stakes book with no third act break up. I enjoy books with the surprise pregnancy trope and this one didn’t come with any trauma, which is refreshing. There aren’t a lot of spicy scenes, but when they come, they are spicy. There are a couple of surprises in the book, but they didn’t feel as something that shattered the world of the characters and resolved pretty easily.
I would give this a 3.5 if I could but am rounding up to 4.
Thank you, Lily Anh Nam, for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
May 22, 2025
This book had all the things I like in a romance. Ben totally stole the show for me. He was caring and obsessed in a sane way. Emily was great too, going through her own stuff and figuring out what she wants, which made their connection feel real.
The pregnancy disability rep was handled with care and felt very genuine. I appreciate that so much. The banter was cute, the emotions hit, and when the spice showed up was fire. Overall, a warm, emotional read with heart. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
The pregnancy disability rep was handled with care and felt very genuine. I appreciate that so much. The banter was cute, the emotions hit, and when the spice showed up was fire. Overall, a warm, emotional read with heart. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review
June 1, 2025
This book is an emotional rollercoaster that explores timing and all the little decisions that shape who we become and who we are meant to be with. It was full of hope and growth and it made me emotional in all the best ways.
I loved the chemistry between the Emily and Ben. Also witnessing how much of a cinnamon roll Ben is during the pregnancy disability was heartwarming, it reminded me of my own situation in both of my pregnancies and how supportive and amazing was my husband. So I connected with the characters on a personal level.
If you love friends to lovers, a lot of heart and steam this is a must read!
Thank you for the opportunity to read early 🙏🏼
I loved the chemistry between the Emily and Ben. Also witnessing how much of a cinnamon roll Ben is during the pregnancy disability was heartwarming, it reminded me of my own situation in both of my pregnancies and how supportive and amazing was my husband. So I connected with the characters on a personal level.
If you love friends to lovers, a lot of heart and steam this is a must read!
Thank you for the opportunity to read early 🙏🏼
May 28, 2025
A cute and enjoyable romance.
Emily and Ben are a nice pair. Reading this felt like a breeze due to the mature communication between the two and how respectful and patient Ben was. There were no games or outdrawn drama. It was easy, low angst, and even the unexpected pregnancy did not create unnecessary stress on the relationship.
A lovely debut from the author and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a no angst room mate with benefits to lovers' story that's just good vibes.
Emily and Ben are a nice pair. Reading this felt like a breeze due to the mature communication between the two and how respectful and patient Ben was. There were no games or outdrawn drama. It was easy, low angst, and even the unexpected pregnancy did not create unnecessary stress on the relationship.
A lovely debut from the author and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a no angst room mate with benefits to lovers' story that's just good vibes.
May 31, 2025
This was such a good book. Read this as an ARC and was pleasantly surprised. During the first chapter I was unsure about Emily and Logan was horrible. I was confused about Logan a bit though because even towards the end he’s like it’s not what you think but then there was never an explanation.
I loved Ben from the beginning he dove head first into making her feel wanted and loved even though they weee just roommates . I really enjoyed their love story.
I loved Ben from the beginning he dove head first into making her feel wanted and loved even though they weee just roommates . I really enjoyed their love story.
May 23, 2025
Yeah, read this in one day!
If you have a bad day, read this book!
This made me feel so warm and good! So cute story with spice!
Characters were awesome and you just hoped for the best for them! Well not everyone, there is always the one guy who you don’t like
Friends to lovers, very good trope, loved!
Just read this book and fell in love like i did!
If you have a bad day, read this book!
This made me feel so warm and good! So cute story with spice!
Characters were awesome and you just hoped for the best for them! Well not everyone, there is always the one guy who you don’t like
Friends to lovers, very good trope, loved!
Just read this book and fell in love like i did!
September 18, 2025
Emily had it rough from the very beginning, but that didn’t stop her from pushing forward and finding her true self. She had so many realizations throughout the book, and it helped shape the new version of herself. Ben and Emily’s story is strange, but also captivating. I thought this book was very special, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
May 27, 2025
This was amazing!!
I absolutely LOVED this beautiful story!!!
It was such a quick read, and the characters were incredible.
The tension was so good.
The plot twists were great.
The spice was fantastic!
Definitely recommend!!! 4.5⭐ rounded up!!!
I absolutely LOVED this beautiful story!!!
It was such a quick read, and the characters were incredible.
The tension was so good.
The plot twists were great.
The spice was fantastic!
Definitely recommend!!! 4.5⭐ rounded up!!!
June 7, 2025
LOVED THIS BOOK!
Friends to lovers
accidental pregnancy
roommates with benefits
Ben and Emily are so sweet together but also the SPICE WAS WOW!!!
A cinnamon roll mmc with a dirty mouth and gold heart!
Friends to lovers
accidental pregnancy
roommates with benefits
Ben and Emily are so sweet together but also the SPICE WAS WOW!!!
A cinnamon roll mmc with a dirty mouth and gold heart!
September 19, 2025
Oh… hahahah no thanks.
This book was definitely not for me, the writing seemed very immature and inexperienced. The characters didn’t do anything to me.
⭐️⭐️
This book was definitely not for me, the writing seemed very immature and inexperienced. The characters didn’t do anything to me.
⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
Love In The Countdown was such a great debut novel. I loved Emily and Ben’s story so much. Ben had that golden retriever energy that I normally don’t like but it was crucial for Emily’s story in order for her to heal from her past relationship. I devoured this book in a day. If you’re looking for a diverse contemporary romance that doesn’t skimp on the spice read Love In The Countdown.
May 30, 2025
3.75🌟🌟🌟
3🌶🌶🌶
I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book! I really liked our characters Ben and Emily! I feel like the accidental pregnancy trope was done super well in this book as well.
Once the spice starts in this book it is spicing🌶🌶
I loved Ben he was just a super sweet cinnamon roll character and my fav character in this book!❤️
My only issues with the book we're pacing. I feel like a lot of this story was rushed and I would have loved some more details in it especially once we got to the pregnancy.
3🌶🌶🌶
I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book! I really liked our characters Ben and Emily! I feel like the accidental pregnancy trope was done super well in this book as well.
Once the spice starts in this book it is spicing🌶🌶
I loved Ben he was just a super sweet cinnamon roll character and my fav character in this book!❤️
My only issues with the book we're pacing. I feel like a lot of this story was rushed and I would have loved some more details in it especially once we got to the pregnancy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews